#charitable-giving
Donation strategies, tax-deductible contributions, and qualified charitable organizations
The IRS finalized TD 10051: CRAT-plus-annuity shelters are listed transactions. Disclose on Form 8886 by October 7, 2026, or face six-figure penalties.
The IRS charitable mileage rate is 14 cents a mile, frozen by statute since 1998. What volunteer drivers can deduct, and the log that proves it.
Benevolence paid to a church employee is always taxable IRS wages on Form W-2 — gifts to needy non-employees are tax-free. The policy that keeps both straight.
Exit a paid-off timeshare four ways: rescind within days, deed it back, resell at market value, or donate with an appraisal. Never pay an upfront exit fee.
IRS rules: deduct only what a gala ticket or auction bid exceeds fair market value; raffle and 50/50 tickets are never deductible, even for charity.
IRS rules let your business deduct a Little League banner as advertising — but only with visible promotion and a paper trail.
A charitable gift annuity trades a lump sum for lifetime income plus an IRS deduction — fundable with cash, stock, or a $55,000 IRA QCD.
Ten IRS-smart moves before December 31: place equipment in service, max out 401(k)s, bunch charitable gifts, and prep 1099s under the new $2,000 rule.
The IRS usually limits car-donation deductions to the charity's sale price — Form 1098-C, the $500 threshold, and three FMV exceptions decide yours.
About a third of US giving lands in December. The IRS requires a written acknowledgment for gifts of $250 or more, and the postmark sets the gift's tax year.
A gift of $250 or more needs a contemporaneous written acknowledgment before the donor files — five IRS-required elements, or the deduction fails.
Miss the 509(a) support tests and the IRS reclassifies you as a private foundation: 1.39% investment income tax, 10% self-dealing tax, Form 990-PF yearly.
